FairPrice files police report against temperature screeners who allegedly pranked supermarket patrons

SINGAPORE — A police report has been filed against two part-time temperature screeners from NTUC FairPrice’s Orchard Grand Court store after a video of one of them playing pranks on customers surfaced online. 

This comes a day after retail group Dairy Farm, which manages the Cold Storage supermarket chain, filed a police report against a temperature screener from its Rail Mall branch who allegedly posted photos of female shoppers to a WhatsApp group. 

In the latest incident, a recording of an Instagram story posted online on Thursday (April 30) showed a young man conducting what appeared to be checks on shoppers at the FairPrice store by shining a mobile flashlight on their arms to look for marks — a practice common at nightspots to check for patrons’ entry stamps. 

The video, filmed by a female part-time staff member, also showed the man interacting with customers with his surgical mask hanging from his ear. He also touched the arms of patrons, some of whom were seen raising their arms for the checks. The duo were also shown laughing at a patron.

When contacted by TODAY, FairPrice confirmed that the incident happened on Wednesday afternoon and the two staff members have been dismissed. 

“A police report has also been filed on this matter, as this concerns public safety in view of the current Covid-19 situation, and their conduct has caused considerable public alarm and concern,” it said. 

Police confirmed that a report was lodged. 

FairPrice assured customers that it would continue to protect their safety and well-being in its stores, and would not hesitate to take firm action against unprofessional conduct or any breach of its strict safety protocols. 

Trade agency Enterprise Singapore said on Friday that it is investigating the case.